One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus is a simple, 20-minute salmon dinner that comes together on a sheet pan. The lemon-garlic-herb butter melts over this baked salmon and asparagus as it bakes, and every bite is so flavorful. Don’t miss the quick video tutorial to see just how easy this is.

Salmon and asparagus baked on a sheet pan and garnished with parsley

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Helpful Reader Review

“Fantastic recipe. I have made this many times and is always well received and totally delicious.” – Rosebud ★★★★★

Easy Salmon and Asparagus Dinner

This one-pan salmon asparagus recipe is a reader and family favorite (read the glowing reviews below). The flavored butter here is gold. It is the same butter we use on our popular Lobster Tails recipe, and I even use it on my juicy Roast Turkey. It comes together quickly, and everything it touches always gets rave reviews.

Seriously, though, this salmon recipe is a must-try. Make it once and you’ll make it again and again. It’s just THAT good! Perfect for special occasions and easy enough for a busy weeknight – it’s delicious and looks so pretty on that baking dish. Make this, and you’ll impress your family.

Salmon and Asparagus Video


SO MUCH FLAVOR!! I hope you all love this easy dinner idea. I’d pass you a slice if I could because I really want you to discover this juicy salmon recipe! P.S. I’ve been making this salmon with 6 Tbsp butter instead of 8, and it works just as well, which is why the recipe states 6 Tbsp butter. 

flaky salmon served with a side of asparagus

How to Bake Salmon with Asparagus

This whole process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. While it cooks, I like to start cooking white rice or make Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes to pair it with, so my side dish is ready to serve when the salmon comes out of the oven.

  • Prep – Preheat oven to 450˚F (set the rack in the top third of the oven – this gives the salmon some color). Line a large baking sheet with parchment (trim it to fit so it doesn’t burn).
  • Place salmon fillets in the center add asparagus on the sides. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and roll to coat in the oil. Season both salmon and asparagus with salt and pepper.
  • Mash together the flavored butter ingredients in a small bowl until the lemon juice is incorporated (by hand with a fork, or use a small food processor or an immersion blender to speed up the process).
  • Finish and Bake – Spread most of the butter over salmon, dab the rest on asparagus. Top salmon with lemon slices and bake 10–12 min (depends on thickness). You can finish under the broiler for 2–3 min for a golden top. Bake until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. According to the USDA guidelines, it should reach a safe internal temperature of 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer.
How to bake salmon and asparagus with flavored butter on a sheet pan

Salmon is a smart choice for dinner because it has plenty of health benefits; rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and Selenium. I think salmon is the most satisfying protein, and it’s low carb, leaving you feeling full yet light at the same time. And this one is lip-smacking good!!

What to Serve with Salmon and Asparagus

There’s tons of flavor here, so I like to pair it with simple sides such as:

Up close slices of baked salmon with asparagus

P.S. Spoon some of those scrumptious pan juices over your salmon for even more amazing flavor! What is YOUR favorite way to enjoy salmon? 

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

4.97 from 204 votes
One-Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe with a lemon-garlic-herb butter. Every bite is so juicy and flavorful! A reader favorite, 20-minute salmon dinner. | natashaskitchen.com
A one-pan easy salmon dinner idea. The lemon-garlic-herb butter is GOLD!! It melts into the salmon and asparagus as it bakes and every bite is so flavorful.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 as a main course

For the Salmon and Asparagus:

  • 2 lbs salmon filet, cut into six – 6 oz portions
  • 2 lbs asparagus*, fibrous ends removed
  • Salt and black pepper, added to taste
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small lemon, sliced into rings for garnish

For the Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter:

  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (*see quick softening note)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from 1 small lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt, we used sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep – Preheat oven to 450˚F with oven rack in top third. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, trimming the paper to just fit so it doesn't go over edges of pan (this prevents the paper from charring under broiler).
  • Place salmon filets in a row down the center of your lined baking pan. Arrange trimmed asparagus on the sides of the salmon. Drizzle asparagus lightly with olive oil and roll to coat. Sprinkle both asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
  • Make Flavored Butter – In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash together all ingredients for flavored butter. It takes a couple of minutes to come together but keep mashing and it will happen. You can also use a food processor for the job if you prefer. Spoon 3/4 of your flavored butter over the salmon and spread evenly (no need for perfection). Dab remaining butter mix over the asparagus.
  • Bake – Top each salmon filet with a slice of lemon and bake uncovered at 450˚F for 10-12 minutes (a thinner fillet will take 10 minutes and a larger fillet takes 12 minutes). Set the oven to BROIL and bake another 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a golden glow. Bake until salmon is flaky and cooked through with an internal temperature of 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Notes

*Asparagus Note: this recipe is written for medium to thick asparagus. If your asparagus is thin, add it to the sheet pan halfway through baking or put it on a separate sheet pan so you can pull it out when it has reached your desired tenderness. 
*How to Speed-Soften Butter: Place wrapped stick of butter in airtight ziploc bag and submerge bag in warm (100˚F) water, placing a weight over the top so it doesn’t float. Let sit 10 -15 mins until softened.

Nutrition Per Serving

374kcal Calories8g Carbs34g Protein24g Fat9g Saturated Fat5g Polyunsaturated Fat8g Monounsaturated Fat0.5g Trans Fat113mg Cholesterol460mg Sodium1092mg Potassium4g Fiber3g Sugar1671IU Vitamin A22mg Vitamin C67mg Calcium5mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
Amount per Serving
Calories
374
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Trans Fat
 
0.5
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Cholesterol
 
113
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
460
mg
20
%
Potassium
 
1092
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
34
g
68
%
Vitamin A
 
1671
IU
33
%
Vitamin C
 
22
mg
27
%
Calcium
 
67
mg
7
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salmon and asparagus, Salmon Asparagus, sheet pan salmon and asparagus
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 374
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Easy Salmon Recipes

If you love salmon as much as I do, I know you’ll find new favorites in this list. These will keep your salmon dinner menus exciting:

 

4.97 from 204 votes (102 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lee
    August 26, 2019

    Hi, I tried the recipe last week, and it was awesome! The only thing was that the salmon was a little fishy. Any tips to make the salmon less fishy? I am making again today

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 27, 2019

      Hi Lee, in my experience, I have found that it is due to using a filet that isn’t super fresh. I’m the weirdo that smells my fish before I buy it from the grocery store. If it smells fishy there or has been sitting out a while, it will taste a little fish usually.

      Reply

      • Barbara
        February 22, 2022

        I recently read that if the salmon smells fishy, let it sit in milk for 20 minutes before cooking it.

        Reply

  • Nancy Raymond
    August 10, 2019

    Your One Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe sounds delicious, and I want to make it for company this week. What size pan would you recommend?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 10, 2019

      Hi Nancy, we used this sheet here. It is an aluminum sheet pan size 21 x 15 x 1 in.

      Reply

  • Sylvanus
    August 3, 2019

    I love salmon

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 3, 2019

      We sure love it around here also!

      Reply

  • Denis Brassard
    July 3, 2019

    Could we prepare the plate and cook it later when the guests are at the table. Can we keep it in the fridge before cooking it? Maybe someone has already asked this question, I have not read all the comments!Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 3, 2019

      Hi Denis, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • Ted Harder
    June 12, 2019

    Came out perfect. Thx Natasha. Your recipes are the only ones I follow to the tee. No changes for me. Thx again

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2019

      I’m so happy you love our recipes, Ted! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment

      Reply

  • Lane
    May 19, 2019

    Made this dish last night and it was delicious. Definitely will be making it again. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 19, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lane!

      Reply

  • Claudette
    May 7, 2019

    Can I cook it on the bbq
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 8, 2019

      Hi Claudette I haven’t tested with this specific recipe but it may work. We do have grilled salmon recipes on our blog. Simply search salmon.

      Reply

  • Callie
    May 6, 2019

    Do you know what the calorie and macro breakdown is per serving on this recipe?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 6, 2019

      Hi Callie! I don’t typically include calorie counts because of the time constraint that I have. I really need to hire some help to do that for me! When I need a quick answer though; I have used Caloriecount.com (their recipe analyzer is free). ps. I’m planning to do a site refresh this spring and looking to include nutritional labels in the recipes that time so stay tuned.

      Reply

  • Leanne Brown
    May 2, 2019

    Does it matter which parsley you used whether curly or italian

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 2, 2019

      Hi Leanne, we used the flat leaf Italian parsley. I hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Leanne Brown
        May 3, 2019

        Thanks – that’s what I used. We tried this last night and it was fabulous. Passed the recipe on to my daughter

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 3, 2019

          That’s so awesome! Thank you so much for your wonderful review and great feedback Leanne!

          Reply

  • Raymond
    April 14, 2019

    This is an amazing but simple recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 14, 2019

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Charles
    April 9, 2019

    Amazing, so tender and the exact time.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 9, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Charles!

      Reply

  • Diane
    March 31, 2019

    Best recipe ever!!!! Loved it. And so easy!!!!! Hubby loved it too. Delicious!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 31, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing that with me:)

      Reply

      • Nathalie
        April 9, 2019

        I am trying your recipe today. I can’t waitnto taste it as it look delicious. Thanks. Your video is very fine.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 9, 2019

          You’re so welcome! I hope you enjoy that!

          Reply

  • Elena
    March 27, 2019

    Natasha, Thank you for all the great recipes (including fun videos and step-by-step instructions and more). They are full of information and easy to follow. You obviously putting a lot of love, character and expertise into it.
    This recipe for the “One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus” deserves more than two thumbs up. I have tried cooking salmon using variety of recipes and ways. Yesterday, while looking for how to best cook asparagus (as side dish for salmon), I came across this recipe. It is filled with incredible flavors, and definitely is one of my most favorites. And oh boy, my fiancé devoured it and giving quite a food moan while eating (never heard him do that before). He asked me to give you a very special greeting and thanks. The only thing is, I completely forgot to add lemon juice into the butter mixture (but not the lemon pieces on top). It still came out De-Li-CiouSss!!!
    Thank you, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2019

      Wow! That’s so awesome! Thank you for sharing this thoughtful review with me, Elena!

      Reply

  • Sindy
    March 26, 2019

    Thank you for sharing this recipe!! I’m not a cook and almost always end up with below average results even after following a recipe exactly. However this turned out beautifully!! So delcious and SO easy. I look forward to making it over and over again and now I’m on my way to read your other recipes 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2019

      Hi Sindy! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Shel
    March 4, 2019

    Sooo good! My family loves it! All the times and temps were spot on! I was out of fresh parsley, so I used the dried stuff from a jar. Still tasted great! Thanks for your recipes! I’ve loved each and every one that I’ve tried.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 4, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Terry
    February 21, 2019

    This Salmon and Asparagus is amazing. I made it in a small scale using custom portions but same ingredients. Cooking times often don’t work out for me but this was on point. Absolutely delicious! Thank-You!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 21, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review with me, Terry 🙂

      Reply

  • Juliana Gross
    February 11, 2019

    So delish! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 12, 2019

      You’re so welcome, Juliana! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Beth H
    February 11, 2019

    Really good! I just got a bit of push-back from the family on the amount of butter… wondering if I could cut down on that without sacrificing the texture/taste of the salmon? Otherwise, excellent meal!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 11, 2019

      Hi Beth! I think it would still work with about 4 to 6 Tbsp of butter. Keep in mind, a lot of the butter stays in the pan but it does flavor the salmon well and makes it very juicy 🙂

      Reply

  • Noelle
    January 15, 2019

    Wow! Just made this tonight and the whole family looked at me like a pro hahaha! So delicious. I’ve shared it with all my Instagram friends🙌🏻 Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 15, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! I’m so happy you all enjoyed that! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Noelle! 🙂

      Reply

  • Kayla D
    January 11, 2019

    Ok so I’ve now made this 4 times in a week. It’s DELICIOUS and I never want to eat salmon a different way. Just when I thought I was never going to prepare it at home again I found this and it is a true game changer. My picky husband even said it tasted like it was from a Restaurant. THANK YOU!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

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